Confirmed Human Infection of Bird Flu Detected in Texas: CDC Issues Health Alert
First Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Reported
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Friday, as a farm worker in Texas tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. The individual, who developed conjunctivitis (pink eye) on March 27, has been confirmed as the second U.S. case of HPAI infection.
New Infection Spreads Among Texas Dairy Cattle and Wild Birds
The HPAI virus, previously known to be prevalent among wild birds and dairy cattle in Texas, has now been identified as causing human infections. However, no previous cases of HPAI transmission from cows to humans had been reported.
Patient Receives Treatment and Recovers; No Human-to-Human Transmission Detected
The infected individual, who did not exhibit any other symptoms and did not require hospitalization, has received antiviral treatment and is now on the path to recovery. Additionally, it is confirmed that there have been no further cases of HPAI infection associated with this incident, and no human-to-human transmission of HPAI has been identified.
Identification and Testing of Virus Genomes from Cattle, Birds, and Poultry
The CDC has conducted tests on the patient’s virus genome, as well as sequences obtained from cattle, wild birds, and poultry. Minor changes have been observed in both virus types; however, these changes do not indicate an increased ability to infect mammals.
Spread of Infections and Temporary Cattle Import Restrictions in Multiple States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed HPAI infections in dairy cattle herds in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, and New Mexico, with presumed positive results in Idaho. State-level measures, including temporary restrictions on cattle imports, have been implemented to contain the bird flu outbreak.
Second Human Case Confirms Concerns, but Risk Remains Low
With the second confirmed human case of avian influenza, experts acknowledge an increased risk for individuals with occupations or recreational activities that involve potential exposure to infected birds, cattle, or other animals. Appropriate precautions are advised.
Deadly History and Current Outbreak Affecting Millions of Birds
The avian influenza virus poses a historical threat, having resulted in a mortality rate exceeding 50% among infected humans from 2003 to 2016. The current outbreak has impacted an alarming 82 million birds across 48 states, rendering it the worst bird flu outbreak ever recorded in the United States.
